FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5177

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Delvin, Kastama, King, Rockefeller, McAuliffe, Pridemore, Hobbs, Fraser, McDermott, Jarrett, Kilmer, Keiser, Hatfield and Roach).

Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Education Appropriations

Background: The Henry M. Jackson School at the University of Washington (UW) combines the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields to forge disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to the understanding of our increasingly interconnected globe. The Jackson School has eight National Resource Centers, which receive funding and designation from the U.S. Department of Education. These centers are devoted to outreach and public education activities for teachers, business people, and the general community. Each year the Jackson School sponsors dozens of conferences, colloquia, and seminars featuring the works of scholars, business people, and diplomats from around the world. The centers include an East Asia Center, a South Asia Center, and a Southeast Asian Center. The National Resource Centers are not permanent centers because they are partially funded through competitive grants that are awarded on a three-year basis.

Summary: A Global Asia Institute is created within the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies. The Global Asia Institute Advisory Board must be established, and the Director of the Jackson School must appoint the Board. The mission of the institute is to promote the understanding of Asia and its interactions with Washington State and the world. The institute must host visiting scholars and policymakers, sponsor programs and learning initiatives, engage in collaborative research projects, and facilitate broader understanding and cooperation between the state of Washington and Asia through general public programs and targeted collaborations with specific communities in the state. The Jackson School must submit a progress report on the Institute's accomplishments by December 1, 2010.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	41
House	97	(House amended)
Senate	43	(Senate concurred)